Biological Assessments

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources initiated the process of biological criteria development in 1992. Using general guidance from EPA, the Department of Natural Resources, University
of Missouri - Columbia and Missouri Resource Assessment Partnership
researched and developed a biological criteria framework for the wadeable,
perennial streams of Missouri. Biological criteria development consists
of:

Ecological
drainage units, in combination with stream type and season, provide a framework
for which numeric criteria are generated for 50 categories of streams.
Narrative portions of biological criteria were established in the 1994
revision of the Missouri Water Quality Standards. Numeric biological criteria
for benthic macroinvertebrates were researched from 1992 through 2002 and
reported in the 1997 University of Missouri document: Biological
Criteria for Streams of Missouri and
the 2002 Department of Natural Resources document: Biological
Criteria for Wadeable/Perennial Streams of Missouri.
Numeric criteria continue to be refined as reference stream data is collected .

Biological Assessment Reports

Searchable Databases:

Biological Sample Information

Macroinvertebrate samples are collected by the department and other qualified groups using standard operating procedures. A set of four metrics are calculated and translated into a multi-metric index. The multi-metric index scores are grouped into three categories:

20 -16 = fully biological supporting

14 - 10 = partially biological supporting

8 - 4 = non-biological supporting.

These categories apply to the support of the designated use of protection of aquatic life.

Biological Criteria Information

Biological criteria are narrative descriptions or numerical values that describe the reference aquatic communities inhabiting waters that have been given a designated aquatic life use. The Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ primary intended uses of biological criteria are:

To establish regional attainment goals that are relevant to aquatic life use and resource protection;

To serve as a scientifically valid benchmark and;

To provide a sound scientific basis for biological assessment of the status of aquatic communities.